{"collection":"chr","html_url":"https://unchartedknowledge.5gfusion.net/browse/chr/ecf/105/1050962.htm","path":"chr/ecf/105/1050962.htm","source_url":"https://sacred-texts.com/chr/ecf/105/1050962.htm","text":"Chapter 28.\u2014Faith is the Gift of God.\nI have already discussed 3095 the point concerning faith, that is, concerning the will of him who believes, even so far as to show that it appertains to grace,\u2014so that the apostle did not tell us, \u201cI have obtained mercy because I was faithful;\u201d but he said, \u201cI have obtained mercy in order to be faithful.\u201d 3096 And there are many other passages of similar import,\u2014among them that in which he bids us \u201cthink soberly, according as God hath dealt out to every man the proportion of faith;\u201d 3097 and that which I have already quoted: \u201cBy grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God;\u201d 3098 and again another in the same Epistle to the Ephesians: \u201cPeace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ;\u201d 3099 and to the same effect that passage in which he says, \u201cFor unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake.\u201d 3100 Both alike are therefore due to the grace of God,\u2014the faith of those who believe, and the patience of those who suffer, because the apostle spoke of both as given. Then, again, there is the passage, especially noticeable, in which he says, \u201cWe, having the same spirit of faith,\u201d 3101 for his phrase is not \u201cthe knowledge of faith,\u201d but \u201cthe spirit of faith;\u201d and he expressed himself thus in order that we might understand how that faith is given to us, even when it is not sought, so that other blessings may be granted to it at its request. For \u201chow,\u201d says he, \u201cshall they call upon Him in whom they have not believed?\u201d 3102 The spirit of grace, therefore, causes us to have faith, in order that through faith we may, on praying for it, obtain the ability to do what we are commanded. On this account the apostle himself constantly puts faith before the law; since we are not able to do what the law commands unless we obtain the strength to do it by the prayer of faith.\nSee above, ch. vii. (16, 17, 18).\n455:3096 455:3097 455:3098 455:3099 455:3100 455:3101 455:3102","title":"Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Vol. V: A Treatise on Gra...","type":"page"}